External Parasites Negatively Impact Cattle Health, Performance and Production, Highlighting the Need for Year-Round Parasite Management and Control
Data Presented at the World Buiatrics Congress 2024
RAHWAY, N.J., May 21, 2024 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced findings on the global economic impact of parasites in cattle, concluding that parasite management is critical for farmers to produce enough beef to meet world food demands. These findings were presented at the World Buiatrics Congress (WBC) 2024, May 20-24, in Cancun, Mexico and were originally published in Animals.1
“Economic losses due to parasites and related challenges threaten the sustainability of beef production. For the beef industry to meet an expected 14% growth in global meat consumption by 2030, major improvements will be needed in parasite management,” said Tom Strydom, Merck Animal Health global director for parasite management for ruminants. “Furthermore, there is evidence that cattle infected with certain parasites contribute to greater greenhouse gas emissions than non-infected animals.1 Parasite control could help cattle farmers to reduce their carbon footprints.” 1
Internal and external parasites have an enormous impact on cattle health and performance. As a result, farmers in the world’s major cattle producing regions suffer losses exceeding US$21 billion per year.1 Major cattle parasites of concern globally include gastrointestinal parasites (GIN), liver flukes, ticks and lice. Ticks alone affect 80% of the world’s cattle, causing a diverse array of tick-borne diseases and affecting overall animal health and well-being. 1
Additionally, geographical differences in production environment, management practices, climate, cattle age and other variances necessitate parasite control methods that are tailored for each farm.
Science-based solutions
One obstacle to controlling parasites is that management is too often based on tradition rather than science.
“In many areas of the world, farmers follow parasite control practices they learned from their fathers or from fellow farmers. Very few farmers consult with their veterinarians or other scientists on best practices,” Strydom said. “The lack of awareness and adoption of available science-based solutions contributes to high production losses due to parasites.”
Compounding the problem is the development of parasiticide resistance in many regions, making it more difficult for farmers to keep parasites in check. Climate change has created favorable conditions for many parasites to thrive and expand into new geographic areas.1
Appropriate use of anthelmintics, endectocides and acaricides have widely been shown to result in net positive return on investment. Implementing strategic parasite control measures, with thorough knowledge of parasite risk, prevalence, parasiticide resistance profiles and prices can result in positive economic returns for beef cattle farmers in all sectors.
Farmers should consult with their local veterinarian for advice on products and practices that will help them manage parasites more effectively.
About Merck Animal Health
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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- Strydom, T.; Lavan, R.P.; Torres, S.; Heaney, K. The Economic Impact of Parasitism from Nematodes, Trematodes and Ticks on Beef Cattle Production. Animals 2023, 13, 1599. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101599